SDA Sabbath School Lessons
Sunday August 25, 1996

The Beast's Power Will be Acknowledged

In our previous lesson we identified three great powers working at the
end of time to subvert God's truth and to destroy His people. They are
the dragon (Revelation
12), the leopardlike beast (Rev.
13:1-10), and the lamblike beast (Rev.
13:11-18). Elsewhere in Revelation they are called "the dragon,"
"the beast," and "the false prophet" (Rev.
16:13). The dragon is Satan (Rev.
12:9), who used the Roman Empire (verse
4) and the medieval church (verses
6, 14, 15) in an attempt to destroy Christ and His people. The leopardlike
beast of Revelation
13:1-10 represents the papacy in both its medieval and end-time roles.
The lamblike beast (Rev.
13:11-18) represents apostate Protestantism, which, in cooperation
with the papacy, will provoke the government of the United States to pass
religious laws that undermine Bible truth.

How many of earth's inhabitants are obliged to receive the mark of
the beast?

Why is there an alternative place for the mark ("on the right
hand or the forehead" [verse
16, RSV])?

What is the mark of the beast?

It is clear from Revelation
13:14 that the work of the lamblike beast is worldwide- "it deceives
those who dwell on earth" (RSV). All classes of humanity around the
world are confronted by the demand to receive the mark of the beast (verse
16).

The alternative to the mark of the beast is the seal of God (Rev.
7:1-8; Rev.
14:1-5) The seal of God is placed only in the foreheads of committed
believers. The "hand" by contrast with the "forehead"
(Rev.
13:16) implies that some people will be mentally committed to the legislation
enforcing the mark of the beast and some will not. Some will accept the
demands made upon them because they will fear reprisals if they do not.

In identifying the mark of the beast, we are looking for the mark or
sign of papal authority. We can expect this mark of religious power to
be accepted by other churches and enforced by government laws.

What current trends do you see pointing to the fulfillment of this
prophecy? Do you see any special significance in the movement in the United
States to abolish the wall of separation between church and state?